Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – European industry chief Stéphane Séjourné cautioned that Europe couldn’t fulfil more aggressive defence spending commitments if there’s a trade war with Trump.
Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy of the European Commission,
Stéphane Séjourné stated he agreed Europe is required to invest more in its defense capabilities but claimed that it would be unattainable to do so if Trump undertakes a trade war with Europe.
In an interview with France Inter, he further said,
“We cannot do this with a trade war on our doorstep, and national budgets everywhere are not capable of increasing defense budgets to more than 3 percent.”
“Europeans must remain united,”
insists Stéphane Séjourné.
“The Americans remain our allies but will defend their interests even more,”
He said.
“We have made contact with the administration that will arrive today. Our services have been instructed with offensive and defensive elements.”
He advocated a “strategic approach” to American customs duties.
“We must protect the purchasing power of Europeans; that’s our mission.”
What’s the future of US-EU trade relations under Trump?
Donald Trump inaugurated a second term on January 20, 2025, with an impact that throws the entire US-EU trade relationship into considerable uncertainty. The trade war launched by former President Donald Trump with Europe, particularly the European Union (EU), has so far consisted of a round of tariffs and retaliation that began in 2018.
In March 2018, Mr Trump introduced national security-based levies on imported steel by charging 25% and levied 10% tariffs on imported aluminum. The actions were made in the background where he complained there was an unequal trade relationship involving some nations across the world, such as EU states members. As counter-reactions towards U.S.-related items face potential levying, the EU drafted lists including major products to bear tariffs, a move the side enforced against USD 3.1 billion worth exports of USA products. By June 2018, all those plans commenced.
